The Capitals despite starting off 1-2-0 with 2 points this season have performed very well on the power play, scoring at least one power play goal in each of their first three games (6/12, 50%). This streak was put to an end tonight as Washington went 0 for 5 on the power play and fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. Sixteen of the last twenty-six games between these two teams have been decided by one goal or less, and this was the first time the Caps had lost one of those games.

Washington’s captain and star winger Alex Ovechkin had both a streak snapped and a streak continued. The streak of Ovie’s that was snapped was consecutive games with a power play goal and the streak that was continued was consecutive games with a goal which is at four. Ovie is still leading the Capitals right now in goals (4) and points (6).

Caps goalie Braden Holtby, who last season didn’t have any problems with Carolina going 3-1-0 with a 1.75 goals-against average and one shutout, saw some problems tonight and continues to struggle as the season starts to roll on. Both Holtby and the defense let a few cheap goals in off of deflections and rebounds which is probably why the Caps have now been outscored this season 12-5 at even strength. Scoring one of Carolina’s three goals was former Capital Alexander Semin on a power play giving revenge on his old team and receiving boo’s from his old fans.

Carolina now advances to 2-1-1 and Washington drops to 1-3-0 on the season. Washington next game will be this Saturday at 7:00 pm/ET at the Verizon Center when they take on the Colorado Avalanche.